For my birthday this year, I’m asking for something a little different. Instead of gifts, I’m asking you to consider making a donation in memory of my grandpa.

On March 1, I lost my grandpa to Progressive Supranuclear Palsy (PSP), a rare neurodegenerative disease that gradually takes away a person’s ability to walk, speak, swallow, and eventually perform everyday activities. Watching someone you love go through this is heartbreaking, and sadly, there is still no cure.

My grandpa was an incredible person who touched the lives of so many people. He showed kindness, strength, and love every day, even as he faced the challenges of this disease. His memory will always be with me, and I want to honor him by helping others who are fighting the same battle.

For my birthday, my goal is to raise money to support PSP research and increase awareness so that one day, families won’t have to experience the same loss. Every donation, no matter the amount, makes a difference and helps bring us one step closer to better treatments and, hopefully, a cure.

If you’re able to donate, thank you from the bottom of my heart. If not, simply sharing this fundraiser would mean so much to me. Thank you for helping me celebrate my birthday by honoring my grandpa’s memory and supporting a cause that will always be close to my heart.